Right click on My Computer, highlight Manage left click on Device Manager left click on Ports (COM & LPT) Click on Serial port, Port Setting, then click on (Advanced) A box will Poop-up, bottom left corner Comport Number(click) and open, Scroll open and set to (COM 1),click OK, close.

Note: if COM 1 port say" [In Use] Select COM 2, or COM 3, then close out all open boxes.

DO YOU HAVE COM PORT PROBLEMS?

First, BE 100% SURE you are using the correct CABLE to your Box.

Many times COM Port problems occur when your System CMOS settings for your COM Port(s) are not set correctly. Access your CMOS settings as you first boot or startup your System. Sometimes the user must KNOW the correct key to access the CMOS (F-5 or F-10 are examples). The "DELETE" key is the usual CMOS access key for most Systems.

Look towards the bottom of your CMOS settings. See if there are "DEFAULT", "OPTIMUM" or "PERFORMANCE" options you can select? Many times selecting these "Default" settings will restore proper settings for COM Ports and other System devices. If you don't know the settings for these options consult your Mother Board Manual for proper manual CMOS/COM settings.


Use caution while in the CMOS!... There are setting options that can bring your System to a HALT!


Another Approach:

Use this method for XP, 2000 and Windows 98 Operating Systems ~ I have not used this method for others. In Windows go to your Control Panel. Select System, then Hardware Devices. DELETE all COM Ports from your "Hardware Devices List". Now Restart your System.

At startup XP will 'discover' your 'new' (Windows thinks) COM Ports and reinstall the Port and drivers. This may restore your your COM Port communications and may also fix other 'conflict' issues!

It is also possible that your COM Port DRIVER FILES are damaged. Usually there are two files required to initialize or start communications to your COM Ports at startup. IF you suspect and opt to replace these files, be SURE to use files created for your System. Don't try to substitute other mfg. or versions. Find the Drivers for your specific model! This is very important to avoid conflicts and new errors.

IF you use XP try this:

1. Have your XP CD ready and Insert. If the XP Installation starts, just EXIT leaving the CD in the Drive.

2. Click START > RUN > (type):

SFC /SCANNOW

NOTE the <SPACE> between SFC and /
IS required!

This process takes about 15 min. It checks all SYSTEM files that include: DLL's, COM and other vital files against the original install files on the CD. If errors are found, the ORIGINAL files are restored... most times. This fix is not 100%.

This method also "Cures" many other XP problems. If these steps don't cure your COM Port problems it is possible that the first chip your COM Port sees after the 9-pin connector within your System is damaged. This is usually caused by a spike voltage presented to your COM Port when a external cable is connected.

Another option is when the COM port is being used by some other application
that runs at startup and takes control of it, some applications include synch
software for Handhelds, cell phones etc....

If that happens you will see the message "Unable to open port" or something similar every time you click the download button of the loader...

If that happens go to the task bar and check the bottom right side of it and terminate any program to sync any device that may be using the port...

Rather than attack the mother board to replace the chip, it's a far better choice to buy a USB/COM adapter.

Attached Images

USB-2-COM.jpg (2.5 KB, 68 views)